a day on the Thames and in Greenwich

Today our program boarded the river boat "Erasmus" in Westminster and putted around the Thames. A certified London tour guide who also works as a BU professor told all of us about the buildings we were floating by, their historical significance, and why different regions of London were important to the country's historical imperialistic gains. Pretty interesting stuff. From the river we passed a little pub called "The Mayflower" and he told us that that exact spot on the river was where the Mayflower ship that brought over the first pilgrims began its voyage!

The London Eye - like the Eiffel Tower, this was not meant to be a permanent attraction.
It made so much money that they decided to keep it up!

Westminster Palace - house of parliament. (Lords -who are unelected - on the left

with the red awning, Commons - who are elected - on the right with the blue.)

The Westminster Tower, where the bell (the actual Big Ben) is located.

The Globe Theatre (replicated - the real one burned down) 

The Tower Bridge.

Once we landed at Greenwich, we broke off into smaller groups and ambled through the little narrow streets. We found a street market, stopped for lunch in a healthy green cafe, and found the Prime Meridian that sits on a hill overlooking the town and Thames. Then we made out way through the park to the "The Queen's House" (which King James I built for his mother) and saw some amazing maritime paintings. We decided to visit the National Maritime Museum at a later date, got on the underground, and made our way back to South Kensington. Quite an eventful day!

A pub we stopped in to rest our feet and ... refresh.

Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum, the Thames and City of London
in the far left.

I had to do it. Just once.

Staircase in The Queens House.

With roommate Lauryn after the hike up to observatory.

National Maritime Museum on the left, connected to The Queen's House
on the left.